•Gunmen
Panic has engulfed Bori, the headquarters of Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State after yet-to-be-identified gunmen shot dead the former Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the council, Mr. Letam Kine.
The attack, which occurred at about 6 p.m. yesterday along Polytechnic Road, sent residents and business owners scrambling for safety as gunshots rang out, reports The Nation.
An eyewitness said the assailants opened fire on the former security chief before fleeing the scene, leaving terrified residents and passers-by to run for cover. Shop owners hurriedly closed their businesses, while the attackers escaped before security operatives arrived.
The killing has heightened fears in the area amid concerns over a resurgence of violent crime in the local government.
Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Chief Dr. Thomas Bariere, condemned the murder, describing it as a senseless act of violence.
In a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Communications, Barry Neemana, Bariere said the killing was heartbreaking and had no place in a peaceful and law-abiding society.
He noted that the incident came barely weeks after the killing of Mr. Clement Deegbara J. of Kpong Community, warning that the repeated attacks pointed to the activities of armed criminal gangs bent on destabilising the peace and security of Khana.
The council chairman called on security agencies to intensify operations across the area and ensure the swift arrest and prosecution of those behind the attacks.
He also extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, praying that they would find the strength and comfort to bear the loss.
Bariere urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding, while continuing to provide security agencies with timely and credible information to support ongoing investigations and prevent further criminal activities.
He reaffirmed that the protection of lives and property remains a top priority of his administration.
Confirming the incident, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Blessing Agabe, said the deceased’s body had been deposited in a mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
She urged the family of the deceased to formally report the case to the police, noting that doing so would support ongoing investigations and facilitate the prompt administration of justice.
Agabe added that a full-scale investigation had commenced to identify and bring those responsible to justice.
She stated, “The body of the deceased has been deposited at the mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while a full investigation has commenced to identify and bring those responsible to justice.
“Although the family of the deceased has not yet lodged a formal complaint with the Police, they are strongly advised to do so, as this will aid ongoing investigations and facilitate the prompt administration of justice.
“The Rivers State Police Command remains committed to ensuring that all those connected with this incident are identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law.”
